15 Best National Parks in Sarawak
Explore Sarawak's best national parks, from Bako and Gunung Mulu to rainforest, caves, wildlife and outdoor adventures.
Sarawak is known for its national parks, with rainforests, caves, wildlife and beaches. From Bako to Gunung Mulu, Sarawak has a range of national parks. These 15 national parks in Sarawak cover the best outdoor destinations.
National Parks
1. Bako National Park
Bako National Park is a national park near Kuching, known for its rainforest, wildlife and beaches. See our Bako National Park travel guide guide.
Location: Near Kuching Main attraction: Rainforest, wildlife, beaches Best for: Hiking, wildlife, beaches Access: By boat from Bako Village Practical tips: Check current boat schedules with official operators. Check current trail status with official sources.
2. Gunung Mulu National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its caves and rainforest. See our Gunung Mulu National Park travel guide guide.
Location: Northern Sarawak Main attraction: Caves, rainforest, limestone pinnacles Best for: Caving, hiking, wildlife Access: By air from Miri Practical tips: Check current flight schedules with official operators. Check current trail status with official sources.
3. Niah National Park
Niah National Park is a national park near Miri, known for its caves and archaeological sites. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Miri guide.
Location: Near Miri Main attraction: Caves, archaeological sites Best for: Caving, history Access: By car from Miri Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources. Check current trail status with official sources.
4. Kubah National Park
Kubah National Park is a national park near Kuching, known for its rainforest and waterfalls. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kuching guide.
Location: Near Kuching Main attraction: Rainforest, waterfalls Best for: Hiking, nature Access: By car from Kuching Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources. Check current trail status with official sources.
5. Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai National Park is a national park in southwestern Sarawak, known for its rainforest and Iban longhouses. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best cultural experiences in Sarawak guide.
Location: Southwestern Sarawak Main attraction: Rainforest, Iban longhouses Best for: Culture, nature Access: By car and boat from Kuching Practical tips: Check current access with official operators. Check current trail status with official sources.
6. Lambir Hills National Park
Lambir Hills National Park is a national park near Miri, known for its rainforest and waterfalls. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Miri guide.
Location: Near Miri Main attraction: Rainforest, waterfalls Best for: Hiking, nature Access: By car from Miri Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources. Check current trail status with official sources.
7. Similajau National Park
Similajau National Park is a national park near Bintulu, known for its rainforest and beaches. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best beaches in Sarawak guide.
Location: Near Bintulu Main attraction: Rainforest, beaches Best for: Hiking, beaches Access: By car from Bintulu Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources. Check current trail status with official sources.
8. Loagan Bunut National Park
Loagan Bunut National Park is a national park in central Sarawak, known for its lake and rainforest. Check current operating status with official sources.
Location: Central Sarawak Main attraction: Lake, rainforest Best for: Nature, boating Access: By car from Miri or Bintulu Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources. Check current access with official operators.
9. Tanjung Datu National Park
Tanjung Datu National Park is a national park in western Sarawak, known for its rainforest and beaches. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best beaches in Sarawak guide.
Location: Western Sarawak Main attraction: Rainforest, beaches Best for: Hiking, beaches Access: By car and boat Practical tips: Check current access with official operators. Check current trail status with official sources.
10. Talang-Satang National Park
Talang-Satang National Park is a marine park in western Sarawak, known for turtle nesting. Check current access with official sources. Do not disturb nesting turtles. See our best wildlife experiences in Sarawak guide.
Location: Western Sarawak Main attraction: Turtle nesting, marine life Best for: Wildlife Access: By boat Practical tips: Check current access with official sources. Do not disturb nesting turtles.
11. Gunung Gading National Park
Gunung Gading National Park is a national park near Kuching, known for its rainforest and rafflesia. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kuching guide.
Location: Near Kuching Main attraction: Rainforest, rafflesia Best for: Hiking, nature Access: By car from Kuching Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources. Check rafflesia blooming status with official sources.
12. Maludam National Park
Maludam National Park is a national park in western Sarawak, known for its rainforest and proboscis monkeys. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best wildlife experiences in Sarawak guide.
Location: Western Sarawak Main attraction: Rainforest, proboscis monkeys Best for: Wildlife Access: By car and boat Practical tips: Check current access with official operators.
13. Piasau Nature Reserve
Piasau Nature Reserve is a nature reserve near Miri, known for its hornbills. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Miri guide.
Location: Near Miri Main attraction: Hornbills Best for: Wildlife Access: By car from Miri Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources.
14. Samajaya Nature Reserve
Samajaya Nature Reserve is a nature reserve near Kuching. Check current operating status with official sources. See our Sarawak with kids guide.
Location: Near Kuching Main attraction: Nature Best for: Families Access: By car from Kuching Practical tips: Check current operating status with official sources.
15. Other National Parks
Sarawak has other national parks and nature reserves. Check current access with official sources. See our places to visit in Sarawak guide.
Location: Various Main attraction: Various Best for: Nature Access: Various Practical tips: Check current access with official sources.
Safety Reminders
- Weather: Sarawak is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Avoid hiking and water activities during thunderstorms. Seek shelter if a storm approaches.
- Trail safety: Stay on marked trails. Do not wander off trails in the rainforest. Check current trail status with official sources.
- Water safety: Watch children near water. Follow safety notices. Check swimming and water conditions.
- Wildlife: Do not feed wild animals. Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Do not disturb nesting turtles.
- Insects: Bring insect repellent, especially for rainforest areas.
- Guides: For remote areas, go with a licensed guide. Some trails and caves require guides.
- Boat safety: Wear a life jacket on boats. Follow boat operator instructions.
FAQ
What are the best national parks in Sarawak?
The best national parks include Bako, Gunung Mulu, Niah, Kubah and Batang Ai. See our places to visit in Sarawak guide.
Can I hike in Sarawak national parks?
Yes — Sarawak national parks have hiking, including Bako, Gunung Mulu and Kubah. Stay on marked trails and check current trail status with official sources. See our best national parks in Sarawak guide.
Do I need a guide for Sarawak national parks?
Some trails and caves require guides. Check current guide requirements with official sources. See our Bako National Park travel guide and Gunung Mulu National Park travel guide guides.
Conclusion
Sarawak has some of the best national parks in Malaysia. For more ideas, see our Bako National Park travel guide, Gunung Mulu National Park travel guide and places to visit in Sarawak guides.
FAQ
What are the best national parks in Sarawak?
The best national parks include Bako, Gunung Mulu, Niah, Kubah and Batang Ai.
Can I hike in Sarawak national parks?
Yes — Sarawak national parks have hiking, including Bako, Gunung Mulu and Kubah. Stay on marked trails and check current trail status with official sources.
Do I need a guide for Sarawak national parks?
Some trails and caves require guides. Check current guide requirements with official sources.
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